Psalm 37 (36):22Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Those who offer praise to Him will receive the earth as their inheritance (Psalm 36:22). This signifies that they will possess the Righteous One, who is genuinely just and imparts righteousness, who lived in humility yet brought immense wealth, enriching those He encountered in their poverty. He is the one who filled the hearts of the needy with the Holy Spirit, and after they confessed their sins, He bestowed upon them the abundant treasure of righteousness. He enriched the fisherman, who, by leaving behind his nets, forsook his material possessions in pursuit of the spiritual truths he lacked. God deliberately chose the weak of this world to confound the strong (1 Cor. 1:27).

Those who honor Him will gain possession of the earth. This reflects the promise made to Abraham, 'I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse those who curse you' (Gen. 12:3).

The righteous are indeed blessed, as Scripture proclaims, "Those who bless him shall inherit the earth, but those who curse him shall be destroyed" (Psalm 36:22). How will the righteous come to possess the earth, and what type of earth is in question? The Bible asks, "Shall ye alone inhabit the earth?" (Isaiah 5:8), and elsewhere warns, "Woe to those who dwell on the earth" (Revelation 8:13), highlighting a connection with scorn and defamation. What land constitutes a blessed inheritance? It is not that which lies in obscurity and is fraught with bitterness, but rather the land where milk and honey flow (Exodus 3:8), as Origen notes; it embodies the grace of sweetness and the illumination of eternal light. The delight found in good honey surpasses that of ordinary sweetness (Psalm 18:11).

The Lord, who is the Creator of all humanity, made this covenant with the patriarch Abraham: I will bless them that bless thee, and curse them that curse thee (Genesis 12:3).

God places immense value on the righteous, showing mercy to those who honor and exalt Him, while meting out judgment on those who disregard and dishonor Him. This is exemplified in His promise to Abraham, where He declared, ‘I will bless those who bless you, and curse those who curse you’ (Genesis 12:3). The term curse here refers to acts of disrespect and dishonor. The conjunction used does not imply reasoning but rather serves as a declaration, often appearing in David's writing without necessity.

It is more advantageous for the righteous to possess a little than for the wicked to enjoy great wealth. Often, a sinner, no matter how affluent, may take from another and fail to repay. Sinful wealthy individuals indulge in luxury, adorn themselves extravagantly, and construct enormous residences, which leads them into a cycle of debt. Conversely, the righteous person, who understands the proper use of resources, may have little but generously shares even that modest amount with those in need, often giving without expecting anything in return. Thus, the more he shares, the wealthier he becomes, resonating with the truth that "the hand of him who gives will never run short" (Sir. 20:10). Those who bless God will inherit the earth and will consistently find something to offer.

Those who praise the Lord, adhere to His commandments, and face hardships with gratitude for His sacred name will inherit the land of the living, the Kingdom of Heaven. Conversely, those who blaspheme and refuse to follow God's commandments—those wicked blasphemers and heretics—shall perish forever due to their lack of repentance.